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The Method: How To Extract Iron From Its Ore
The Method: How To Extract Iron From Its Ore
The method
Three substances are needed to enable to extraction of iron from its ore. The combined
mixture is called the charge:
Iron ore, haematite - often contains sand with iron oxide, Fe2O3.
Limestone (calcium carbonate).
The charge is placed a giant chimney called a blast furnace. The blast furnace is around 30
metres high and lined with fireproof bricks. Hot air is blasted through the bottom.
Carbon dioxide produced in 1 + 2 react with more coke to produce carbon monoxide:
The carbon monoxide reduces the iron in the ore to give molten iron:
The limestone from 2, reacts with the sand to form slag (calcium silicate):
Both the slag and iron are drained from the bottom of the furnace.
The iron whilst molten is poured into moulds and left to solidify - this is called cast iron and
is used to make railings and storage tanks.